The state-owned freight transport and logistics company, Transnet, is seeking private sector partners to refurbish, finance, operate and maintain South Africa’s B-Network railway lines as part of efforts to open the country’s rail network to greater private participation.
Through the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), government has published a Request for Information (RFI), inviting interested parties to submit proposals for partnership opportunities.
The process aims to assess public and private sector interest in the refurbishment, financing, operation, maintenance and potential concessioning of low-density branch lines.
“The introduction of Private Sector Participation (PSP) opportunities on the B-Network is a critical step in reforming South Africa’s freight logistics system. By inviting market input, TRIM aims to design procurement programmes that are responsive to industry demand and aligned with national policy objectives under the White Paper on National Rail Policy and the Economic Regulation of Transport Act,” TRIM Chief Executive Moshe Motlohi said on Wednesday.
These lines, covering approximately 9 098 km, are characterised by relatively low volumes, small-scale operations and distinct infrastructure profiles.
“Most B-Network branch lines connect to the core rail network, facilitating the movement of cargo for export, consumption or destination packaging. Some lines have attracted interest for passenger and tourism services.
“Information gathered through the RFI will assist TRIM in refining the problem statement and guide the design of one or more procurement programmes on the national rail network to improve performance, increase throughput and harness private sector capital, skills and expertise,” TRIM said.
TRIM is responsible for the management, maintenance and development of South Africa’s rail infrastructure network.
The RFI builds on recent progress in opening South Africa’s rail network to third-party operators.
TRIM recently announced the successful conclusion of Rail Access Agreements (RAAs) with 11 new Train Operating Companies (TOCs), which were allocated slots for selected train paths on the core network following the publication of Network Statement Version 3 in 2024.
“This milestone marked the beginning of open access in South Africa’s rail sector. The latest RFI builds on this momentum by extending opportunities to the B-Network, ensuring that feeder and branch lines also benefit from innovation and investment opportunities,” the TRIM said.
RFI documents can be accessed from the National Treasury’s e-Tender Publication Portal (www.etenders.gov.za) and the Transnet website (https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net) under the old eTender Portal. Responses to the RFI must be submitted electronically by no later than 30 September 2026 at 10am. - SAnews.gov.za
